1933 Lagonda 16/80 Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: KY 5747
Chassis No: S10515
Mot Expiry: Sep 2012

ENTERED FROM THE LITCHFIELD COLLECTION

"Silence and smoothness of running have been combined with performance in the new 16/80 Lagonda to an extent not hitherto achieved in any of these very fine cars ..... The new machine is a delight on the open road for its acceleration, its road-holding and cornering" (Autocar, September 1932)

Introduced in August 1932, the Lagonda 16/80 S-Type Special Six was aimed at the moderate horsepower, six-cylinder sportscar market as typified by the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750. Indebted to its 2-litre 'Continental' forbear, the newcomer's well-balanced chassis featured all-round leaf-sprung suspension and four-wheel drum brakes. Powered by a proprietary Crossley 1991cc straight-six OHV engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, the 16/80 could also be had with a four-speed pre-selector gearbox (from the 1934 season onwards). The latter option gave snappier acceleration due to its swift changes and the powerplant's unusually high 5,000rpm rev limit. Arriving at Staines fully assembled, each engine was nonetheless stripped down, measured (blueprinting of a sort) and modified with better water porting arrangements etc. Despite Lagonda offering a nine-year guarantee on the model (subject to factory maintenance), just 261 are thought to have been made before the company succumbed to financial difficulties.

Forming part of the Litchfield Collection since December 2004, this particular example - chassis number S10515 - began life as a ST24 Saloon. Treated to an extensive `chassis up' restoration by a previous owner, it now wears delightfully proportioned four-seater Tourer coachwork. Covered in black fabric, the authentic looking body plays host to a well-stocked wooden dashboard, tan leather upholstery and matching carpets. Riding on black painted wire wheels, the Lagonda also sports a heavily louvered front valance, imposing chrome radiator shell, Lucas headlights, twin horns, front wing guards and sculpted wooden running boards. Able to boast a pre-selector gearbox not to mention a full complement of weather gear (hood, tonneau cover and sidescreens), the 16/80 wears Lagonda Club and VSCC badges. Starting readily upon inspection, accompanying MOT certificates show that `KY 5747' has covered just 200 miles or so during the past seven years. A handsome and nicely detailed Post Vintage Thoroughbred, this appealing Lagonda 16/80 is offered for sale with a reproduction Instruction Book, assorted pre-selector gearbox literature and the aforementioned MOT certificates.